4 Types of Teas that you Didn’t Know Existed

We usually always have our select pick of teas at cafes, but not many of us know that numerous types of teas have ruled people’s hearts worldwide.

More specifically, there are hundreds of varieties in the case of herbal tea, and the list is never-ending.

 This article will discuss some of the different and lesser-known tea types and their production processes.

Black Tea

Black tea is a fully oxidised tea or true tea. It is harvested directly from the plant Camellia Sinensis. This tea is unique because the tea leaves are entirely oxidised after being picked or exposed to oxygen.

Once the required oxidation level is reached, the oxidation process is paused, and the leaves are exposed to heat. You finally get leaves that are robust, rich, and have a tannic flavour.

These leaves form a very dark tea. Because of the reddish hue, some people call it red tea. If you wish to make black tea, you would have to let the tea steep for a longer time. You should essentially drink it plain clubbed with a dash of lemon.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea refers to partially oxidised tea. These teas can differ and are among the complex teas of the world. You can process these leaves in a range of ways.  

The flavour profiles of this tea are immense, beginning from grassy and floral like the usual green tea to toasty and sweet. 

Oolong varieties are identified based on the leaf being twisted or rolled. The rolled ones are usually lighter in flavour and have a greener colour. This is mainly because less surface area gains exposure to air. 

The Oolong varieties that are twisted are relatively rare to find. The positive fact about the twisted types is that they are easier to steep and even faster.

Pu-erh Tea

The Pu-erh tea originates in Yunnan, China, and is a member of the large-leafed Assamica type of the Camellia Sinensis plant. Their government protects the classification and heritage of this tea. 

Pu-erh tea is divided into two main categories, Shou and Sheng. Specifically, the Shou tea is withered first and then heated in multiple batches to slow the oxidation process and reduce the water content.

After this, it is dried under the sun, pressed in cakes, and aged from 3 months to 30 years.

The Pu-erh tea goes through the maximum fermentation processes. This is why it is also referred to as fermented tea.

Yellow Tea

Yellow tea is a rare type of herbal tea. It is a part of the classifications of true tea. The hugely popular green and yellow tea processing are similar, especially initially. The primary difference is that the tea leaves will go through yellowing in yellow brews.

Yellow tea has a variety of unique flavours in comparison to other teas.

It is also yummier in opposition to others. You can describe it as light and sweet. The tea becomes even more flavorful if the leaves are brewed for longer.

Wrapping Up

These are some of the unique teas that you would have probably never heard of! Other teas like red tea, white tea, green tea can also be great for your body and mind.

If you are a tea fanatic, try these new herbal tea options today and explore the diverse world of tea types.